Superhero silhouettes make stunning use of negative space

We're always impressed by the use of clever techniques such as trompe l'oeil or timeless techniques like utilisation of the golden ratio, and something we're seeing more of is the use of inset silhouettes. And the simple quote, "It's not who you are underneath. It's what you do that defines you", (what Rachel Dawes tells Bruce Wayne in the movie Batman Begins), provided the inspiration for this striking new set of prints by California-based artist Khoa Ho.

The striking illustrations depict the past and present of some of the world's favourite superheroes. "Everyone has a memory, a past," says Ho. "It's the driving force behind all of our actions for our present, our future.

Trials of the past

"In this poster series I took a dive into the origins of these individuals and who they were before they became superheroes to remind us that despite the trials of our past, what we choose to do moving forward is much more important to us and the world we share."

It's the contrast in these pieces that, we think, makes them so effective, not only in the striking use of black and white but also in the depictions each superhero and their human alter ego. We particularly like the Batman piece, which, featuring a huge silhouette of the caped crusader towering over himself as an orphan, is unexpectedly touching.

Like this? Read these!

Have you seen any inspirational illustrations designs recently? Let us know in the comments!

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of eight full-time members of staff: Editor Georgia Coggan, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Ecommerce Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Editor, Digital Art and 3D Ian Dean, Tech Reviews Editor Erlingur Einarsson and Ecommerce Writer Beth Nicholls and Staff Writer Natalie Fear, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq.